Rut wat Boas se 'voete' oopgemaak en by hom gaan lê het : die betekenis van hierdie simboliese aksie in Rut 3:7 in die lig van Eksodus 4:25

Abstract

This article investigates the possibility that Ruth 3:7, where Ruth went to lie at Boaz’ ‘feet’, can be read in an intertextual way in the context of Exodus 4:25. In Exodus 4:24–26, whilst at a camping place on their way to Egypt, the Lord came to kill Moses. Then Zipporah, his wife, took a sharp stone (or stone knife), cut off the foreskin of her son and touched Moses’ ‘feet’ with it. Because of the circumcision she said to Moses: ‘You are a bridegroom of blood to me’. And so the Lord spared the life of Moses. Zipporah took the initiative and because of this, God’s will and plan for Moses could still be reached. The covenant duty of circumcision, according to Genesis 17:10–14, could also be accomplished through her intervention. This section also clearly illustrates that God welcomes non-Israelites to enter into the community of Israel. In Ruth 3:7, the same word for feet is used as in Exodus 4:25, namely רגל . The analogous use of this word clearly emphasises the importance of the functioning of the covenant of God with Israel. There are also other similarities between these verses of Scripture. It is indicated that Ruth, like Zipporah, also took the initiative and intervened to ensure that God’s covenant plan for Israel will be accomplished. It is also indicated that Ruth, like Zipporah, is accepted into the community of Israel and that she will play an important role ensuring the future of the offspring of Mahlon/Boaz.